POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3122, 19 July 1892, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(BY TKLKURANI—SPRCIAr, COIIUKSPOVOKNT.} Wellington, Last Night. FEMALE FRANCHISE. The fate of the female franchise refortri in the Legislative Council is sl.ill rather uncertain. I hear on the one hand that a strong opponent of the movement lust session is likely to support it this year, and on the other hand, that another councillor, who did not oppose last year will probably vote against it this session, in order that tho constituents may havo a chance of considering the whole question before an election is hold under its providing The female franchise was only lost in the Cjuncil by two votes la>t session, and one of its strongest opponents (Mr Bowon) is at present in England, whilst its greatest champion in the Upper House (Mr Fulton) is amongst the listof those members who have passed away since last session. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. I understand Sir Ct. Grey has telegraphed a request to Wellington that his Friendly Society's Bill which was rejected by the Council last year should be reintroduced. A meeting of members was held this morning when it was decided that Mr Rees take charge of the Bill and introduce it to-mor-row. It was stated the (rovernment were favourable to the measure being passed into law. PUBLIC LOTTERIES. The Bill introduced by Col. Eraser in the House provides for the legislation of certain public lotteries. Persons licensed to use or conduct lotteries must deposit with the Public Trustee a bond to the amount of five thousand pounds. Tickets are to be ■tamped—ld for 5s tickets, and 2d for 10s tickets. Licensed conductors of sweeps are not to be liable to penalties under the Act against gaming The stamp dutv on the totalizator is reused from 1A to 2j per cent., and deductions from totalisator proceeds are limited to 10 per cent.